### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsᵉchôq**, represented by `{{H6712}}`, translates as **laughter**. Appearing only **2 times** in 2 unique verses, this rare term carries a dual meaning derived from its definition: "laughter (in pleasure or derision); laugh(-ed to scorn)." Its usage in scripture demonstrates this stark contrast between joy and contempt.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The two biblical occurrences of `{{H6712}}` showcase its opposite meanings. In Genesis, it captures a moment of pure joy. Following the birth of Isaac, Sarah `{{H8283}}` declares, "God hath made me to **laugh**" [[Genesis 21:6]]. Here, the word signifies a grateful and celebratory response to a divine miracle. Conversely, in the book of Ezekiel, the term is used to describe judgment. The Lord GOD warns that as a consequence of sin, "thou shalt be **laughed to scorn** and had in derision" [[Ezekiel 23:32]], framing laughter as a tool of public humiliation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the two facets of laughter associated with `{{H6712}}`:
* `{{H6711}}` **tsâchaq** (to laugh outright): As the primitive root of **tsᵉchôq**, this verb means "to laugh outright (in merriment or scorn)". It is used to describe Sarah's own initial, private **laugh** of disbelief [[Genesis 18:12]] as well as the **mocking** of Ishmael [[Genesis 21:9]], illustrating the same dual potential for merriment and scorn.
* `{{H3933}}` **laʻag** (derision, scoffing): This word for **derision** appears alongside `{{H6712}}` in [[Ezekiel 23:32]], intensifying the sense of contempt. Its usage throughout scripture is consistently negative, referring to the **scorn** and reproach faced by God's people or the wicked ([[Psalms 44:13]], [[Hosea 7:16]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H6712}}` lies in the powerful, opposing divine actions it describes.
* **Laughter as Fulfillment:** Sarah's **laugh** is the direct result of God's power and faithfulness. It represents the joyful culmination of a long-awaited promise, transforming a situation of sorrow into one of celebration [[Genesis 21:6]]. Her statement explicitly credits God as the source of this joyous laughter.
* **Laughter as Judgment:** The prophecy in Ezekiel uses being **laughed to scorn** as a key component of divine punishment. It is not random mockery but a decreed consequence of disobedience, a public expression of shame that serves as a divine verdict [[Ezekiel 23:32]].
### Summary
In summary, **tsᵉchôq** `{{H6712}}` is a potent, though infrequent, word that encapsulates the full spectrum of laughter. In a single term, it can convey the profound joy that comes from a blessing from God, as experienced by Sarah. At the same time, it can represent the bitter humiliation that comes as a result of divine judgment. Its two appearances are sufficient to illustrate how the same human expression can signify either divine favor or divine wrath.
TRV